Top 10 Best Small Electric Cars

Small Electric Cars

Top 10 Best small electric cars 2021

1. Peugeot e-208

2. Mini Electric

3. Vauxhall Corsa-e

4. BMW i3S

5. Honda E

6. Mazda MX-30

7. Renault Zoe

8. Volkswagen e-Up

9. DS 3 Crossback E-Tense

10. Renault Twizy

Detailed Information - Top 10 Best small electric cars 2021

1. Peugeot e-208

Photo: utocar.co.uk

The all-electric version of the 208 supermini is one of several PSA Group compact EVs that hit the market in 2020, but it's the best priced and also the most visually appealing. For its mix of usable range, performance, value, practicality, style, perceived quality and driver appeal, it clearly deserves to figure highly if you’re shopping for your first electric car this year. Higher, perhaps, than any other pint-sized electric car.

Unlike more low-rent-feeling EVs, the car’s materially rich interior distinguishes it just as clearly as the stylish bodywork. Practicality is on a par with the Renault Zoe and better than in a Mini Electric. Refinement beats both of those key rivals, too and performance is fairly strong. Certainly, you get an adequate dose of that electric-motor-enabled ‘zip’.

The car also rides with a suppleness missing from some smaller EVs, which often struggle to contain their body mass on the road. The steering is striking for its directness, although body control deteriorates a little bit if you drive more enthusiastically. Even so, it’s the roundedness of the e-208’s driving experience that really impresses.

2. Mini Electric

Photo: autoexpress.co.uk

A decade ago, MINI trialled a limited run of electrified cars as proof of concept that a MINI powered by electricity rather than fossil fuels would work. But it didn’t build a full production version until last year.

With a range of 145 miles (which is closer to 110 miles from our real-world experience) the MINI is more for short journeys, but it retains the brand’s characteristic driving feel.

That means the handling is sharp, plus the motor’s 270Nm hit of torque makes it quick. The two-mode regenerative braking set-up is strong in the top setting, too, which is great for one-pedal driving.

Subtle styling tweaks include optional 17-inch alloys that look like a plug socket, and the fared-in grille, but the MINI Electric only comes in a three-door body.

There are three trims to choose from, but all receive the same 32.6kWh battery, while 50kW charging capability means an 80 per cent top-up should take just over half an hour.

3. Vauxhall Corsa-e

Photo: utocar.co.uk

Vauxhall's sibling to the Peugeot e-208 doesn't quite have the style or claimed WLTP range of its French relation, doesn't have the imaginatively configured interior and isn't priced quite as keenly. But don't let that fool you into believing this Vauxhall isn't worth a test drive. It might be a little plainer than the Peugeot but it still looks handsome enough. The car's driving experience combines genuine 180-mile everyday battery range with keen and competent handling and a comfortable ride, while 100kW DC rapid charging compatibility as standard should also be a selling point.

Vauxhall's large UK dealer network will likely make this car one of the UK's better-selling EVs, ready to convert people who haven't considered electric motoring thus far. It's certainly good enough to leave the right kind of impression.

4. BMW i3S

Photo: Top Gear

The i3 was an EV pioneer. BMW was the first premium car maker to push electrification, and with a carbon-fibre passenger cell for lightness – vital for efficiency in an EV – the i3 offered an innovative approach that’s still at the cutting edge today.

The standard i3 is all you need, with up to 188 miles of range and an 80 per cent recharge in just over 40 minutes, although the firm ride will be disappointing for some.

Rear-hinged back doors help access to the compact cabin, and once you’re inside there are plenty of reclaimed materials that are in keeping with the environmentally friendly approach of an EV. They also go some way to justifying the i3’s relatively high price.

5. Honda E

Photo: utocar.co.uk

When Honda revealed the concept for its first EV in Europe, the public really took note, and thankfully the e emerged as a production car without too many changes to the concept’s retro-inspired design.

While the looks are cool and crisp, the tech is thoroughly modern, with 100kW DC charging capability on board. One of the Honda’s party pieces is that its 152bhp electric motor is mounted on the rear axle. This helps packaging but doesn’t compromise room inside the five-door body, so it’s relatively spacious, given its compact dimensions.

It also means that with no motor up front the wheels can turn further; this little EV has a superbly tight turning circle of just 8.6 metres, so it feels right at home on city streets. The infotainment is great, too, with a total of five screens – including one at each side of the dash for the digital wing mirrors.

With a 35.5kWh battery, range is on the more limited side, at 137 miles for both the standard car and the more powerful but £2,500 more expensive Advance model, which does admittedly get more kit, including extra safety tech.

However, we’d probably save the cash because the extra power isn’t necessary and the regular car really offers the essence of the e at a more affordable price.

6. Mazda MX-30

Photo: VnExpress

Mazda has never been afraid to do things its own way, even when the rest of the industry appears to be doing something different.

The MX-30 is therefore not quite what you’d expect, but it's an appealing proposition all the same. Toy-car looks are wrapped around an unusually small battery pack – just 35.5kWh, giving an official range of 124 miles – because Mazda believes owners simply won’t need any more, and increasing the size of the battery would mean unnecessary cost. It’s reasonably spacious within, has an SUV-lite body that is very much on trend, and is trimmed in interesting materials that give the cabin a singularly cosy and likeable atmosphere.

Dynamically, the MX-30 also stands out - though only when you’re travelling with a bit of pace on on an interesting road. With 143bhp and 199lb ft, it’s never going to blow your socks off in a straight line, but the weighting of the steering and the supple manner in which the suspension transfers weight while cornering are genuinely reminiscent of the MX-5 sports car. Around town, however, it can feel a little plain.

Charging at up to 50kW is possible, and if the limited range works for you, there is plenty to like about the unusual Mazda MX-30. It could be an effective second car.

7. Renault Zoe

Photo: autoexpress.co.uk

The second-generation Zoe saw Renault’s electric supermini come of age, combining superb real-world range with excellent refinement and driving manners.

It’s easy to tap into this flow, because the ride comfort is great, and with 245 miles of range, it’s genuinely usable. There’s just one 55kWh battery available. However, you can choose the R110 (107bhp) or R135 (133bhp) motor with an option to add 50kW rapid charging to each for an extra £1,000.

If you’ll mostly be using your car locally (you can recharge it in nine hours and 25 minutes from a 7.4kW home wallbox) then it might not be worth it. But if you plan to venture further afield in the Zoe – and you’ll be able to, given the range on offer – rapid charging could be a good idea. It drops recharge times to an hour and 10 minutes for a top-up to 80 per cent.

Otherwise, Iconic trim is all you’ll need in the practical, five-door Zoe, because it features lots of strong safety tech, good connectivity and luxuries such as LED headlights and parking sensors.

8. Volkswagen e-Up

Photo: utocar.co.uk

We could just have easily put Skoda’s Citigo-e iV or Seat’s electric Mii in this slot, because these are mechanically almost the exact same car. But we prefer the Volkswagen for its slightly more playful demeanour and the fact that, well, it was here first.

Volkswagen’s smallest electric car predates the new ID range and was updated in 2020 with an enlarged battery that now gives 159 WLTP miles. There’s also been a cut to the asking price, which is now only just above £21,000 (including the £2500 government grant) and makes the e-Up look good value compared with the recent rash of £30,000-plus small EVs. The latest model benefits from a camera-based lane-keeping system, too, and the light-hearted, airy interior remains.

As is often the case with small EVs, this Volkswagen is best suited to second-car duties and running shorter errands. It’ll carry four with relative ease, and 155lb ft of torque makes it reasonably quick. As ever with Volkswagen, the controls are also intuitive and breezily easy to use. At this price, it buries the Smart EQ Fortwo, as does the Skoda.

9. DS 3 Crossback E-Tense

Photo: Autodevot

This compact crossover is something the budding Mazda MX-30 owner might also consider, not least because the near-200 miles of range comfortably beats that of the Japanese car.

All the usual DS hallmarks are here: the distinctive exterior, the somewhat overwrought but superficially ‘lavish’ interior and a decent dose of the performance.

Our reservations are that cabin space isn’t especially good, the driving experience is ordinary, and the pricing is fairly steep. However, if you want an EV that’s a little less ordinary and are prepared to pay for that, the E-Tense is unlikely to let you down.

10. Renault Twizy

Photo: utocar.co.uk

Renault’s strapline for the Twizy is "plug into the positive energy" and, in fairness, it's difficult to resist smiling when you get behind the wheel. Unless, of course, it’s raining, and you didn’t buy the optional windows…

Technically, the Twizy is a quadricycle, not a car, so it belongs to the same category as the newly released (but as yet not UK-bound) Citroën Ami. It’s a two-seater, with the passenger sitting behind the driver, and designed for very short-distance, and most probably urban, journeys. That’s why, even when the sun’s shining, you’ll still get only around 50 miles from the 6.1kWh battery. An electric family car it certainly is not.

To drive, the Twizy is fun and agile, if a bit numb. Its secret weapon is the fact that it is rear driven and so can, if you’re committed enough, pull off gentle slides. Prices start at just under £12,000.

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